It does look surprising why Thomsonfly would be based at an under-developed airport, but where else in the UK could the airline have been effectively based? Members have mentioned BHX/NEMA/LTN but it makes no sense to be based there.
LTN does seem to have a monopoly when it comes to no-frills airlines, with only EasyJet serving no-frills flights to the airport (with the exception of Ryanair to DUB/BGY), & is also the home of your parent company Britannia, but why try & compete against the largest no-frills airline in Europe, who are continuing to base more planes at the airport, and continuing to add routes?
NEMA has an excellent catchment area & is just as well situated as Coventry. But, with three no-frills airlines already flying from the airport, and also looking for growth, why try from there?
BHX has a successful regional no-frills airline, as well as a no-frills airline from one of your biggest competitors, plus having a successful full-service carriers to many European destinations.
TUI AG have been very successful with the launch of Hapag Lloyd Express, which is a very well respected & well run operation in Germany. I don't see why the carrier was not called TUI Express, and have bases both at TUI's German & British airports. I feel that makes more sense?
